Geospatial Assessment of Urban Sprawl and Its Impacts on Water Body Sustainability in a Semi-Arid Region: A Remote Sensing and GIS Perspective

Abstract

Rapid urban expansion in semi-arid regions has emerged as a critical environmental concern due to its direct and indirect impacts on fragile hydrological systems. Urban sprawl alters natural land surfaces, increases impervious cover, disrupts drainage patterns, and accelerates the degradation of surface water bodies that are vital for ecological balance and human sustenance. This review synthesizes existing research on geospatial approaches used to assess urban sprawl and evaluate its implications for water body sustainability, with particular emphasis on remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Multi-temporal satellite imagery, spatial metrics, and land use/land cover change analyses have proven effective in detecting urban growth patterns and quantifying associated hydrological transformations. The literature indicates that unplanned urbanization in semi-arid environments intensifies runoff, reduces groundwater recharge, increases sediment and pollutant loads, and contributes to the shrinkage or disappearance of lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Despite significant methodological advances, gaps remain in integrating climatic variability, socio-economic drivers, and high-resolution temporal datasets into spatio-hydrological assessments. This review highlights current analytical frameworks, commonly used indicators, and emerging technologies such as machine learning and high-resolution imagery that can enhance monitoring accuracy. The study underscores the need for integrated geospatial assessment models to support sustainable urban planning and water resource management. Strengthening interdisciplinary approaches and policy linkages is essential for mitigating the adverse effects of urban sprawl and ensuring long-term water body sustainability in vulnerable semi-arid landscapes.